BOOK II PART I
natural and original principles, or arise from inter-
est and education. The examination of this I re-
serve for the following book; and in the mean
time I shall endeavour to show, that my sys-
tem maintains its ground upon either of these
hypotheses; which will be a strong proof of its
solidity.
For granting that morality had no founda-
tion in nature, it must still be allowed, that vice
and virtue, either from self-interest or the prej-
udices of education, produce in us a real pain
and pleasure; and this we may observe to be
strenuously asserted by the defenders of that
hypothesis. Every passion, habit, or turn of
character (say they) which has a tendency to
our advantage or prejudice, gives a delight or
uneasiness; and it is from thence the approba-
tion or disapprobation arises. We easily gain